Okay. I love exploring cities and creating new memories, but I also love to shop and have souvenirs from all my trips. I also hate to dust. While I have bought a few small keepsakes over the years, I prefer to buy souvenirs that I will actually use. (Note: This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure page for more information.)
Before I start my list, a word of warning about souvenirs: once you start a certain collection, it may become an obsessive compulsion to find that particular item. If you want to start a particular collection, think about how often you will use the item. For example, key chains. I’ve bought a couple of key chains over the years, but I don’t think they are a practical collection. I’ve traveled to 13 countries (so far). Now, imagine carrying around 13 keychains when I only have two keys on my keyring.
No Dust Souvenirs
Mugs
A few years ago, I started collecting the Starbucks Global Icon mugs. When the You Are Here mug collection started, I added them to my collection, and it became a goal of every trip to locate a mug. I now have over 60 Starbucks mugs (remember my warning?), but I love them and my collection continues to grow. I display a few in my home, and I have a couple at work for my afternoon cup of tea. On a three week trip of the UK in 2013, I returned with 11 mugs and a teapot. My mom swore that I would have suitcase of chipped porcelain, but they all made it home safely.
Scarves
When I first started traveling, I started collecting scarves, and I try to find a unique scarf on every trip. Almost of all of my scarves have sentimental value from one of my travels or a gift from friend or family member. Below is a picture of me in Chicago, wearing a scarf that my brother brought back from Japan. 
Jewelry
If you are traveling out of carry-on, jewelry is one of the best souvenirs to save on space. When I traveled through Ireland in 2010, I bought a claddagh ring, and I’ve worn it every day since then. It cost me 15 euros, and I didn’t have to worry about cramming it into my suitcase.
Pins
Now, I only collect Disney and Hard Rock Hotel pins. I’ve collected a pin from each Disney Park that I’ve been to (the 4 parks at Disney World, the 2 parks at Disneyland California, and 2 parks Disneyland Paris), and some random pins along the way. I don’t attach them to a lanyard, but, instead, I use them on my cork boards as decorative push pins.
Patches
On most of my travels, I try to find a patch of the country’s flag to attach to a book bag. Alas, 11 years of international travels, and I still haven’t bought a bag to attach them to. Instead, I have a box full of patches. I do have my eye on the hunter green Herschel backpack, so I may actually display my patches one day soon.
Artwork
I love decorating my home with travel mementos to fondly remember my trips and have unique artwork for my home. On international trips, it can be hard to purchase and transport art work, but it is not impossible. In the past, I have framed postcards, tea towels, and festival posters from different adventures to create sentimental pieces of art.
Have any other souvenir ideas? Let me know in the comments!
I like all of these ideas! I never know what a “good” souvenir is to buy so I usually don’t buy anything.
We totally collect mugs from every state we visit.
I usually get souvenir magnets if I can find them. They’re easy to display so they don’t get lost in keepsake boxes, and my son loves playing with them.
That’s another great idea. I’ll have to be on the lookout on my next trip
I always get mugs when I go on vacay. I love your collection by the way.
I hadn’t thought of collecting scarfs but that’s actually a really good idea!
Thanks! I love scarves! They keep me warm and really dress up an outfit
This is a great post. I can’t tell you how often I come back from a trip with something for my kids that just gets “dusty” and never really enjoyed. These are great ideas!
Love these souvenir ideas!
One Awesome Momma
I love the scarf and mug ideas! Whenever we travel, especially out of the country I try to get something I can wear. My favorite accessory are sunglasses, so sunglasses are my go to.
ooh! That’s a great idea too. I’m so picky about how sunglasses look on my face that I think it would take me some to find the perfect pair on a trip.
Love these ideas.. especially the mugs (coffee lover!) rather than collecting key chains or magnets which seem like the average souvenir buys. ? Thanks for sharing! ❤️
No problem! I LOVE my mugs! They are so useful, and I reminisce about my travels when using them
Great ideas. I especially like the scarf idea. I haven’t done that before. I usually try to find a Christmas ornament wherever we go. It’s fun to decorate the tree each year and reminisce about old trips. Plus, it makes for great family discussions as my little boys ask about them. I also love to buy jewelry and other practical things. Thanks!
Christmas ornaments are another great souvenir idea. My mom collects them on her travels.
I try to get something special – a piece of jewelry, a great coat, a special handbag – but I love your idea of getting the Sbux mugs from all destinations! Great list 🙂
Starbucks are usually the top of my list, but I like to vary the rest of my collections. I can’t afford to get one of everything on a trip, and I don’t want to spend my whole trip shopping.
Thanks for stopping by!
Yes to mugs! We also get fridge magnets from every new place we go
Fridge magnets are another great one! I have a stainless steel fridge, so they just don’t work for me. Thanks for sharing!
This list is perfect 🙂 I personally like mugs as they’re so useful to me.
me too! Sipping out of my San Francisco mug right now.
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized
it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and
I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!